Blues deny Lippi link

Chelsea have denied rumours World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi is set to replace Jose Mourinho at the end of the season.

Lippi has won the Champions League and several Serie A titles with Juventus and is now enjoying some time off following Italy’s success in Germany last summer.

A statement from the club read: “Following further media speculation regarding the position of Chelsea Football Club manager and comments allegedly attributed to Marcello Lippi, the club would like to make clear that no list of candidates has been drawn up to replace Jose Mourinho.”

The statement continued: “Nobody from Chelsea FC has spoken to Mr Lippi or his representatives or indeed anyone regarding the manager’s job.

“As previously stated, Jose Mourinho has a contract until 2010, he has the support of everybody at Chelsea and he has said he wants to stay for the time of his contract.”

The former Porto boss also swatted aside reports of a deteriorating relationship with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich by insisting recent events have strengthened his ties with the club.

“This season has been much more enjoyable and recent events have encouraged me to stay,” he said.